Cancer Research UK main site

Mum has just been diagnosed - Breast Cancer

layney_1
Offline

Hi, I’m Elaine and I’ve just joined the forum as my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer just over a week ago and I have no idea what to expect. I’m hoping by joining, I can find out more about people’s experiences and what to expect over the coming weeks and months.

So far, all we know is that it is breast cancer. Since then, she has had an ultrasound and biopsy and today she received a call advising that she needs an MRI scan too. Her appt with her consultant is scheduled for next week.

What I’m really wanting to know is why the MRI? Does this mean that they have found something in the ultrasound that requires further tests? Like perhaps it has spread further?

If anyone has been through this before I’d really like to know what we can expect in the coming weeks, what tests are likely, any side effects etc so I can be as fully prepared as I can so that I can support her every step.

  • HI Elaine and welcome to Cancer Chat.

    I'm sorry that your mum has been diagnosed with breast cancer but I'm glad you've joined us here on the forum as you'll find many breast cancer ladies who will be able to let you know what to expect over the coming weeks and months.

    Quite a large number of them reside on this discussion so feel free to join in and introduce yourself as they're very welcoming and supportive and will do what they can to help.

    I also wanted to share some information we have about breast cancer on our website as it will help you to prepare once you know the full diagnosis. Our cancer nurses are on hand to answer any questions you have as well so feel free to give them a call next week on 0808 800 4040. Lines are open Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m.

    All the best, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline

    Hi Elaine,

    Sorry to hear about your mum.  As well as having breast cancer myself I've twice been in the position of watching my mum go through it.

    Much as it's hard, try not to read anything negative into further tests.  All tests contribute to giving the best picture of what is happening and certainly at the hospital where I'm being treated having an MRI is standard.  Having the best picture helps the medical team choose the best treatment strategy so it is a positive thing.

    It's hard to know what your mum's journey is likely to be until they get all the test results back, and even then everyone is different.  In the early stages it usually is determing where the cancer is located, sizing and staging it.  They will also look at what is helping it grow (mine is oestrogen and progesterone, my mum's last one was HER2).

    But this is probably too much information for now.  For the moment it might be best to focus on your mum's emotional needs.  Everyone handles a cancer diagnosis differently but fear of what is to come is common among those that haven't seen anyone else go through cancer.  Obviously we also worry about the effect on our loved ones and your mum will no doubt be worried about how it impacts you.  Let your mum know you're there for her, you probably have already, and let her lead with what she needs from you.

    In practical terms, regardless of what your mum's treatment plan turns out to be, there are things she can do now to aid with the side effects of the most common treatments.  1) drink plenty of fluids 2) get any required dental work done 3) start moisturising twice a day 4) start strengthening nails 5) increase dental hygiene 6) generally take care to rest, sleep, exercise and eat healthily.

    I'll leave it at that just now.  Please let us know how your mum gets on and there are loads of cracking people on here with tips and support galore.

    All the best,

    LJx
     

  • Offline

    Hi Elaine sorry to hear about your mum I too have been diagnosed with invasive  ductal carcinoma and am awaiting on MRI scan I sadly had breast cancer 10 years ago at age 40 so this is a reccurance I got my results on Monday Tuesday I got called in for a bone scan which frightened life of me I'm too waiting for a MRI scan I think it's just routine to make sure it hasn't spread any were else I was told would be 3 weeks before I would be seen again again which I think is quite normal so they can obtain all results and move forward on treatment I have been told I will need a masectomy has your mum been told which type cancer she has or grade x

  • Offline

    Hi Elaine, So sorry to hear your Mum's diagnosis. I'm in the opposite position - I'm a Mum, I've been diagnosed with breast cancer and my daughter is currently on holiday abroad so I've not been able to tell her. She's due back on Sunday so I'm trying to work out how to tell her on Monday that I'll be in hospital having breast cancer surgery on the Friday.

    Regarding the MRI, asTwinTwo said, it varies from hospital to hospital. In my case, I was told that they were trying to decide if it was ductal cancer (originating in the ducts) or lobular (originating in the milk-producing lobules). If lobular, then they always did an MRI after injecting a blue dye which would show up if there was cancer anywhere else. They wouldn't do this if it was ductal cancer because that behaves differently in some way.

    So in your Mum's case, it would be worth asking if they do an MRI as standard or if they think her cancer might be lobular.

    I admire you for wanting to be so strong and supportive. My daughter will be exactly the same, but this will come as such a shock to her (her grandmother died of secondary breast cancer) so whereas I've now known about it for two weeks, she will have no time at all to come to terms with it before I'm into the surgery stage. As moderator steph says, there is lots of information on this website to help you and it is both easy to read and accurate. 

    best of luck

    G x

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.